By Kemi Olatunde

To prevent the public from being exposed to the dangers of counterfeit drugs, health facilities in Ondo State have been advised to procure their drugs from the Ondo State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (ODHCMA).

The Executive Secretary of ODHCMA, Pharm. Amos Ayegbusi, gave the advice while speaking with The Hope in Akure.

According to him, it is crucial for health facilities to desist from patronizing unauthorized vendors, noting that the agency was established by law to combat the proliferation of fake drugs in the country.

He explained that many leading causes of death and disability in developing countries can be prevented, treated, or at least alleviated with cost-effective essential medicines. He also stated that one of the resolutions from the 63rd National Council on Health (NCH) Meeting, held in December 2022, mandated each state, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to establish a Drugs and Medical Management Agency. This resolution, he said, led to the establishment of ODHCMA.

Ayegbusi highlighted that Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.8 focuses on achieving universal health coverage, including access to safe, effective, quality, and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. He added that the lack of access to essential medicines remains one of the most serious global health challenges.

Expressing concern over the high prevalence of counterfeit drugs in the country, he assured that ODHCMA guarantees the availability of high-quality drugs and price regulation. He stated that the agency sources its drugs from reputable manufacturing companies in Nigeria.

Further emphasizing ODHCMA’s role, Ayegbusi said the agency is committed to addressing stock shortages of drugs and health commodities in primary, secondary, and tertiary health facilities, as well as in the private health sector. He noted that there has been a 60% compliance rate among government health facilities.

He also explained that the government has put in place adequate arrangements to ensure that all health facilities receive their required health commodities within three days of requisition from ODHCMA. These supplies are delivered at no cost to the facilities, regardless of their location within the state.

According to him, the agency boasts a state-of-the-art pharma-grade warehouse with top-tier storage facilities.

However, he stressed the need for all health facilities to procure their drugs from ODHCMA, adding that the law prohibits public health facilities from purchasing medical commodities from private vendors in Nigeria.